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And why this runs even deeper than you might think Ever gone in for an oil change or minor repair and come out with a $1,200 estimate for a list of things you’ve never heard of? You’re not alone. That moment—the surprise, the skepticism, the sudden need to phone a friend... It’s the result of a system that’s stacked against you. Actually, it’s double-stacked against you. It’s been around forever in the automotive world—and it wasn’t built with your best interest in mind. Here’s why we say it’s double-stacked—and why we don’t play that game… It’s why we’re called “Maverick”, and why so many of you have come to trust us for all your service and repairs. more We’re not saying all shops are bad, and that everyone is out to take advantage of you—you might know a great shop, or an awesome person who operates with complete integrity—it's just that they’re often working in a system that’s built for profit, not for you. Here’s how it works in 85-90% of shops (that's my estimate, but confirmed by ChatGPT ;)) Most service advisors (the folks at the counter you typically talk to) are paid a smaller salary, with commissions or bonuses based on their sales. Wait... sales? I thought this was about service... Well, in most shops, the person at the counter is "selling" you on the work they're recommending. And the more parts and labor they sell, the more they earn. On top of that, most technicians are paid using what’s called “flat rate”—meaning they’re paid by the job, not by their time. So if a job is “booked” for three hours but the tech finishes it in one, they still get paid (and you get charged) for all three hours. The more repairs they suggest, and the faster they move, the more they earn in the same amount of time (more details on that next time) But see the issue? This is why we say it's double-stacked against you. The technician actually working on your car is incentivized to suggest the most work that you "might need", that they can then try to do in less time; while the person at the counter is incentivized to upsell you on all of it and then some. That’s why we say it’s double-stacked against you, and this creates exactly the kind of mistrust the auto industry has become known for—and for good reason. (more details on this next time, for those that want to learn the nitty gritty) Since day one, here’s what we’ve done different ly—stacking the system in your favor. Salaried advisors (no sales commission) They don’t earn a dime more based on selling you more. Their job isn’t to sell you—it’s to advise you—to understand what your car genuinely needs, what can wait, and what might not need to be done at all. That’s it. Hourly techs (not incentivized to rush) They're paid for their knowledge and skill, not for how fast they crank out jobs or how many parts they can replace in a day. That means they have time to do things right. They’re not rushing. They’re not guessing. They’re taking the time to get it right, and they’re proud of that. Different people (motivated by trust and relationships) This maverick approach has attracted different people — the type of technicians and advisors who want to focus on quality over speed, helping over selling, and trust over profits—and while lots of service people claim that’s who they are, or they want to be this way, we’ve found the ones who actually sought out the change and are making it happen. So not only are they not incentivized against your best interest, they’re just different people at heart. We call them mavericks. You might just call them your kind of people. So if you’ve ever felt like you needed a second opinion—or that nagging feeling that something didn’t quite add up—you’re not crazy. The system is often stacked against you. We choose not to play that game, and instead stack it in your favor. Because building trust matters more to us than anything else.

Spring has sprung in the Treasure Valley—sunshine, warm afternoons, and that moment you reach for the A/C button in your car for the first time this year... only to realize it’s not getting colder. Or not cold enough. Before you assume the worst (or spend more than you should), here’s what you need to know. more Weak A/C Doesn’t Always Mean Expensive Repairs Some shops jump straight to big-ticket fixes like replacing your compressor or overhauling the entire system—the more you spend, the more they get paid. But often, the problem is something simple—like low refrigerant from a small, fixable leak. Your A/C system relies on a specific level of refrigerant to function properly. If it’s even a little too low, the system may stop working altogether. In many cases, adding refrigerant and fixing a small leak is all it takes to get things working again. Beware of the “Top-Off and Hope” Approach Some shops will just top off your refrigerant and send you on your way, without ever checking for leaks. Always ask if the shop checked system pressure and tested for leaks—before and after service. If they couldn’t find a leak, make sure they put dye in the system, so next time they can find the leak. We use UV-reactive fluorescent dye that can be added to the refrigerant which circulates through the A/C system. When there’s a leak—no matter how small— traces of dye seep out along with the refrigerant. Our technician can then use a UV (black) light to inspect the system. The dye glows bright yellow-green under UV, making that pesky leak easier to track down. What a Good Shop Will Do Measure refrigerant level and system pressure Inspect for leaks and explain their findings. If they can’t find a leak, they’ll add dye to the system so they can find it next time. Recommend only the repairs you actually need The Bigger Picture Hopefully, all you need is a small leak repaired—something like a worn-out seal or a loose fitting. But in some cases, the leak might be coming from a major component like the compressor, condenser, or evaporator. If that’s the case, a more expensive repair could be necessary. Still, the key is understanding what’s actually wrong—not just agreeing to the first estimate you’re handed. If your A/C isn’t working like it should, it doesn’t always mean you’re in for a major repair. But not asking questions—especially if you don’t know and trust the shop, could cost you more than it should.

Our parody of a “ribbon cutting” for our new 6-bay shop. Yep, that is duct tape, and they are “cutting” with a blow torch, sledge hammer, pipe wrench, flashlight, and yes, even a banana 😜 So many of you have come to trust us with your vehicle maintenance and repairs, that we started running out of shop space. To keep up, we recently opened a second shop nearby just for prepping new inventory. That move freed up six service bays at our main location—dedicated entirely to you and your vehicles. And since you’re the reason we’ve been able to grow, we want to pay it forward in a meaningful way. So through the month of May, those freed up bays will be open for free diagnostics and repairs —for your friends and family in need of a mechanic’s helping hand. We can’t cover the parts cost, but our awesome crew is ready to roll up their sleeves and get the work done, to keep good people you know on the road. With your help, we’ll show them they’re not alone—and that Boise takes care of its own. more Who this is for: We know this would be “nice” for a lot of people. We’re looking to serve those who really need it. We're talking about f amilies who are really, truly struggling. Situations where this is their only car in the household, and they’re just trying to get to work, or to take care of their family—but can’t afford to fix what’s broken. So please help us serve those people specifically. Nomination Guidelines: To make sure this effort reaches those who truly need it most, here’s a quick look at who we’re aiming to serve: Nominations must come from someone else, not directly from the person needing the service You should know the person you’re nominating personally Their household has only one vehicle That vehicle has a serious issue they can’t afford to fix — it’s either undriveable or unsafe to drive There’s some means for covering the cost of parts needed for the repair. We understand that sometimes you may be in need yourself, but this time around we’re giving first priority to those who are nominated by someone else who knows their situation firsthand. Scheduling: We’ll be scheduling all free services in advance, and only through our nomination form below. Please don’t call the office or send someone down without an appointment - it will be a waste of a trip (and if they’re in this situation, the extra driving and expense for gas isn’t going to help). Click Here to nominate someone in this kind of need

Text Cass with any questions: 208-600-0704 When it’s time to sell a car and you want to get the most value, Cassandra is who you want to talk to. She takes such great care of our clients that she’s been mentioned over 200 times in our Google reviews. Cass is our On-site Buyer and Consignment Manager - diligently working for our clients to help them get the most value (typically around private-party value) for their cars, without the hassles of selling on their own. If you do not want to consign, no problem! Cass will also send you a cash offer for your vehicle with no obligations! more She plays a vital role on the Maverick team, and her enthusiasm inspires us all, as she works diligently to give our clients a hassle-free vehicle sale. Frankly, they love her because she gives them back their time, while getting them the most value for their vehicle. Pretty awesome. Text Cass with any questions: 208-600-0704

From the most recent stellar reviews, these gems totally stole the show. Your thoughtful words are like coffee for our souls, and they truly mean the world to us. They not only let others in the community know what to expect, they also help us understand what you appreciate most, so we can keep leveling up! Hats off to YOU! If you spot your brilliant, thoughtful review below, swing by to claim your favorite Maverick hat, and grab some stickers while you're at it. We sure appreciate you! more

Text Silas with any questions: 208-900-4283 When you have a car to sell but you’re short on time, Silas hits the road and comes to you. He’s our mobile vehicle buyer—meaning he meets clients in their driveway, at work, and he’d probably even meet you on a mountainside (his favorite place to be). He really knows vehicles, and uses some fancy-pants software, so he can give you a fair value in minutes, and have a check or cash in your hand a half hour later. more With a camera in hand and his new bride by his side, Silas is a serious outdoorsman who loves to be in the wild. He’s also a pro-level videographer and a self-proclaimed “closet musician”... but when he opened for the famous Grammy Award-winning, Billy Strings, that closet door kinda came off the hinges. Silas brings great energy to our team and is always positive and collaborative. We love his easy going nature and how he takes great care of our clients. They love him for how easy he makes it to sell a car. Text Silas with any questions: 208-900-4283

From the last 100 stellar reviews, these gems totally stole the show. Your thoughtful words are like coffee for our souls, and they truly mean the world to us. They not only let others in the community know what to expect, they also help us understand what you appreciate most, so we can keep leveling up! Hats off to YOU! If you spot your brilliant review below, swing by to claim your favorite Maverick hat, and grab some stickers while you're at it. We sure appreciate you! more

After over a year in one of our free vehicles, Brad was able to save up and pay cash for his own car! In our next newsletter, we’ll share a short video highlighting his Journey from homelessness to financial self-reliance, getting custody back for his two girls, getting engaged, and buying his own car – and how our JumpStart program helped make it happen. Deb and Isaiah also completed their personal growth & financial courses, and have made great strides in life. We celebrated their graduation from the program, and their new found self-reliance, with an awesome dinner catered by one of our other program members who’s working toward starting her own tasty food business. We have one more minivan ready to go, for a single mother of 4 who just moved out of a shelter and is ready to finally break free of the poverty cycle she’s been caught in, and give her family a better life. Thank you for your continued support of Maverick, so we can keep JumpStart growing! more What is the JumpStart Program? Maverick takes low-dollar trade-ins that were destined for the auction, repairs them to safe and reliable condition, and then makes them available on a free lease, to struggling families that don’t have transportation. With these free cars, along with required education & mentorship, the Maverick JumpStart program empowers these families to break the poverty cycle, develop self-reliance, and open doors to brighter futures. (read more) We accomplish this by providing three crucial elements needed to create lasting change: key resources that are currently out of reach; education and guidance; and personal motivation & discipline to make good choices - the last being most critical. We do this by providing a free vehicle to use while in the program, along with other key resources, coupled with regular financial and personal growth classes, plus one-on-one mentoring. Where does the motivation and discipline come from – to save money, make good decisions, and work hard to create lasting change? When you don’t have any other transportation, having a free car to drive is a big deal. But this is a hand up, not a handout, so in this program, continued use of the vehicle requires active engagement in classes and mentorship, and making measurable strides in financial improvement. Thus, the vehicle serves as an invaluable resource for transportation and financial savings, and also as a powerful motivator for continued learning, and development of disciplines for personal growth. Combining these key elements gives our participants a jumpstart in personal growth and financial stability, to help overcome poverty and lead their families to brighter futures.

Don’t give up thousands because you let the company that owes you money, tell you how much they owe you. I see it all the time, and I’d hate for it to happen to you. Just last week, I helped two friends and clients, who were about to settle for far less than they were owed on totaled cars, and another who was going to settle for shoddy repairs after being rear ended. So I figured it’s time to drop some knowledge on the rest of my friends, about the sneaky side of car insurance, so the next time you or someone you know ends up on the wrong end of someone’s bumper, you’ll know how to make the most of that insurance you’ve been paying for. more Here’s four quick things we’ll cover, that could make all the difference: The extras insurance should pay if your car gets totaled —it’s more than most realize The insurance value estimate and offer is just that — an estimate and offer —consider it a starting point If it’s not totaled, how to make sure your car gets fixed right. (hint: it’s probably not at the insurance company’s “preferred shop”) Your car now has an “accident history”. Doesn’t that tank its value? Yep! Here’s how to get paid for that diminished value. Don’t have time to read more? Just know you can reach out to your Maverick Team. We'll be happy to help, so you have someone in your corner who knows how to navigate these nuances with your best interest in mind. The agent or adjuster you end up talking to might be nice, but please don’t blindly trust the people that owe you money, to tell you how much they owe you. Here’s what you need to know… 1. The Extras Insurance Owes You If Your Car Gets Totaled First off, if your car is a goner, most insurance companies will offer you an estimated actual cash value (ACV) for your car—and nothing more. But what you really want is the replacement cost value (RCV), which means what it actually costs to buy the same kind of car in the real world - actual market value plus sales tax, doc fees, title fees and all. If you were at fault - check your policy details to see if you have ACV or RCV coverage. If you only have ACV coverage, make sure to read the next section to at least get all you should for your vehicle. If you have RCV coverage, make sure you get all those extras they might “forget” to tell you about. For the future - If you only have ACV coverage and you run on a tight budget, you might consider upgrading to RVC, so you don’t come up short if you ever need to replace your vehicle. If you weren’t at fault, and you’re being compensated by the other yahoo’s insurance, then you should definitely fight for RCV compensation - and most of the time you’ll get it just by asking. You just have to know to ask, as some companies won’t offer it up front, hoping you’ll be in a hurry to get your settlement check so you can get out of that rental car. Only to realize later, you still have thousands more to pay in taxes and fees to get that new ride. 2. The insurance valuation and offer is… just an offer Regardless of whose insurance is paying, you’re going to get a settlement offer, and part of that will be for the estimated value of your car. They may justify that number with book values and other data. It might be fair, and it could be way under. Don’t be too quick to accept that initial offer. Do your own homework, and make sure you could actually buy a similar car with the money they’re offering. They’re often a little low. Do take into account the previous condition of your vehicle and any upgrades you’ve done. If yours was a one-owner with no prior accidents, or an immaculate 10 year old car, that’s going to be hard to replace, and should be worth a bit more. Do reach out to us. Researching book values can be helpful but they’re not always accurate with the market. We can get you a list of comparable vehicles (comps) that will often justify a much higher value - especially for certain vehicle types. You can share these comps to help make a case for $500-2000 more for your car. Check out the Jeep example below, where book values were landing under $12k, but our comps within 700 miles, +/- one model year, showed a $14-17k value. Don’t sign anything or accept a check in a hurry, hoping to get any extra value later. Once you take a check from them, you’re pretty much accepting the amount written on it as your final settlement. 3. If Your Car Isn’t Totaled, Make Sure It Gets Fixed Right Okay, so your car survived—great! Now it’s time for repairs. Here’s the deal: your insurance company will probably try to steer you to their “preferred shop,” where they have a deal that benefits them a lot more than it does you. Talk about a fox guarding the hen house scenario. If it’s a legitimate shop, how bad could it really be? Well, bad enough to knock a couple thousand off your future trade-in value. Here are some of the corners we see cut all the time on trade-in vehicles—and most owners had no idea: Orange peel paint texture and dust specs in the clear coat. The good shops fix this; others won’t if you don’t call them on it. Non-OEM parts that never quite fit right, leaving gaps in body panels. You might not notice, but to a dealer, these look like the Grand Canyon. Paint mismatch – Paint doesn’t match perfectly unless it’s blended from repaired to original parts. It might not jump out right away, but it’ll get more obvious over time. Masking trim instead of removing it before painting—cutting corners where you don’t want them. These issues may seem small, but they stick out to any car dealer like a sore thumb, and they’ll knock down your car’s value big time. Especially if they get worse over time, like this one where the prep work wasn’t done right Or this one where too much body filler, or “bondo” was used Both looked good enough to the owners at first. Now they’re not so happy. You have the right to pick your own body shop—one that actually fixes your car right. Do your homework, ask lots of questions, and know we’re here to help you find the right shop. Next, bring your car to Maverick (or someone else you trust that really knows cars) after the repair, and we’ll help you spot anything that’s questionable. You have the right to and make sure it gets fixed to industry standards - even if you didn’t see where it was sub-par yourself. Don’t settle for anything less. 4. "Accident History" Lowers Your Car’s Value – Here’s What to Do No matter how well it gets repaired, your vehicle's value takes a hit just from the “accident history”—especially if the Carfax shows “moderate” or “severe damage”, or “airbags deployed”, etc. That’s called diminished value, and no surprise, the insurance company probably won’t volunteer to compensate you for it. But now you know, and just by asking you might get them to write you a check along with covering that repair bill. If not, you may have to file a separate claim to get reimbursed for the loss in market value. But how much should you expect? We’ll help you figure that out and give you an official “diminished value” statement specific to your vehicle and its new “record”. These have helped our friends and clients get $1500-4500 to cover the diminished value you’ll see when you go to sell or trade it in the future. Final Thoughts So there you have it: a quick guide to making sure the insurance company doesn’t pull a fast one on you. You pay your full insurance bill every time, so don’t let them short change you when it’s their turn to pay up. If you need help with questions, valuations, or figuring out what your car was really worth, give us a shout. Your Maverick Team is ready to jump in and make sure you’re getting a fair deal or quality repair. Stay savvy out there, and remember, we’ve got your back!

Our own, Patrick Palmer and his family, getting off the pavement on their recent Idaho road trip When the Idaho summer comes to an end each year, the seasonal trees begin a chemical process to absorb as much sunlight and nutrients as possible before winter reclaims the land again. These changes cause leaves to change color, splashing the Idaho countryside with dazzling reds, oranges, and yellows. Like many art exhibits, nature’s annual art show is available to viewers for a limited time. So, before these sights are lost to the snows of winter, we’ve covered two scenic fall drives you can check out, and we’ve offered recommendations for great eats and things to do along the way. more Boise, to Stanley, to Ketchum Loop If you’re headed from Boise, this trip involves a windy, scenic drive along the Boise River dotted with fall colors up Highway 20 through Idaho City, which during the 1860’s was the biggest city (7,000 residents) in the northwest. Since Abraham Lincoln was president, things have slowed down quite a bit, but there’s still a handful of restaurants, lodging, and hot springs to enjoy. Further up the road there’s Lowman, which is even smaller than Idaho City and serves as an excellent snowmobile basecamp during the winter season. There’s not much else to do here but soak in some hot springs or swim in the frigid, sometimes turbulent Payette River. Up in Stanley, there’s more restaurants and lodging available. Views of the Sawtooth Range and colorful Aspens are absolutely exquisite from here. Once you’ve had your fill of Stanley, head south on Highway 75 and stop over at Redfish, Petit, or Alturas Lakes. These blue, crystal clear lakes were left over from ancient glaciers that carved out the Sawtooth Valley. Further south on Highway 75, once you reach Galena Summit, there’s a lookout that affords amazing views of the Sawtooth Range and seasonal trees that dot the hillsides below. Down from Galena, the scenery between Stanley and Sun Valley is absolutely breathtaking, but even more so with fall colors. In fact, the whole Wood River Valley down to Bellevue is beautiful year round. Just watch out for elk and deer. They’re all over the place up there. After Bellevue, head west on Highway 20 toward Mountain Home. Along the way you’ll pass Fairfield on the Camas Prairie, which serves as a seasonal wetland breeding ground for numerous birds. The short stretch of the Boise National Forest you’ll pass through before Mountain Home also has plenty of fall colors to behold. Dine, Overnight, & Experience Along The Way Idaho City: Idaho City Hotel - Comfortable lodging with a mining boarding house look and feel. Trudy’s Kitchen - Homestyle American cooking with options for gluten-free desserts. The Springs - Rent a private soak room or enjoy mountain views from the main pool. Lowman: Lowman Inn - Great food, drinks, and yurt rentals available here all year round. Haven Hotsprings/Cafe - Soak in the mineral pool, grab some grub and/or stay overnight in the motel or RV Park. Sun Valley: Sun Valley Lodge - Idaho’s premiere resort with world-class dining, lodging, and entertainment in central Idaho’s mountains. Ketchum: Limelight Hotel - Pet-friendly, luxury lodging and dining in the heart of downtown Ketchum. KB’s - Legendary Idaho-themed burritos named after cities in the Gem State. Hailey & Bellevue: Silver Creek Hotel - Suites, solar-heated pool, and Tesla/EV charging in scenic Bellevue. The Smokey Bone BBQ - Mouth-watering brisket, smoked chicken, and pulled pork recipes. Fairfield: Soldier Creek Brewing Company - Locally crafted beer, food, and fun out on the Camas Prairie. Boise, to McCall, to Payette Loop McCall is a favorite destination for Boise residents year-round. The drive to McCall offers a variety of landscapes, from the views of Bogus Basin and the sagebrush dotted hills of the foothills that surround Boise, to the lush forests that surround the Payette River, which Highway 55 follows to the banks of Lake Cascade. The winding highway and scenic river scenes make for beautiful views along stretches with plenty of deciduous trees. If you have a fishing license, use one of the several turnouts on the highway where you can park, prep your gear, and try your luck for some trout. There’s lots of color to behold from the aspens and tamaracks in the mountain valley near Cascade. Once you’ve reached McCall, you can wander the banks of Payette Lake, grab some dinner and drinks, and take in the scenery. Beyond Cascade and nearby New Meadows, Highway 55 turns into Highway 95 and snakes southward through colorful mountain valleys and sparsely populated towns like Council, Cambridge, and Fruitland before connecting with I-84. Dine, Overnight, & Experience Along The Way Cascade: Alpine Lodge - Rustic log cabin rooms and RV parking minutes from Cascade Lake. North Shore Lodge - If you finish the Captain Kirk Burger, you earn a place in local glutton history. Gold Fork Hot Springs - Mineral-rich waters with varying temperature pools in a beautiful setting. McCall: Shore Lodge - Four diamond resort with rooms and suites for a satisfying mountain escape. Tamarack Resort - If you brought the mountain bikes along, check out the variety of trails here. Salmon River Brewery - Awesome beer and food with views of Payette Lake. Midvale: Mundo Hot Springs - Soak in the minerals, grab some food, and even rent a cabin overnight. We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring, as you plan some fun weekend road trips in our beautiful state. If there’s routes or fun locales we didn't cover, let us know. Our community loves swapping stories and info with other adventurers and learning from each other.

The Dawson family, on their way to scope out a new southern Idaho camping spot Living in Idaho affords us the opportunity to explore vast tracts of wild country, including the largest wilderness area in the lower 48, the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area (2.3 millions acres). Planning a nature vacation is as simple as looking in our own backyard. While the summer season has come to a close, Fall has incredible weather for camping. There’s plenty of time to get out there and do some serious exploring before the first flakes of snow descend from the sky. If you’re looking to experience something other than the traditional campsite and campfire, we’ve put together a small collection of unique camping adventures available right here in the Gem State. more Yurts Stargaze Yurt near Idaho City offers awesome views of the Payette River Canyon and Sawtooth Mountains. Domed animal skin-laden shelters like these have been used for thousands of years. Luckily for you, you don’t have to hunt and skin deer to make one for yourself. Modern versions of these shelters usually feature tarp coverings, a propane stove, and a plexiglass dome for stargazing from the comfort of a warm bed. The nice thing about yurts is their availability year round. Spring, summer, and fall camping in a yurt is great, and there’s something really satisfying about cozying up with some friends and loved ones in a yurt during the frigid winter months when the ground outside is blanketed in snow. The closest Yurts to the Boise area are located at Bogus Basin or near Idaho City up Highway 21, and there’s yurts further up the highway near Lowman and even some up in the scenic Sawtooth Range, or just south of the mountains at Smiley Creek Lodge. There’s also yurt rentals available up Highway 55 near Cascade and McCall. Fire Lookouts The majestic view from Arid Peak Lookout in the St. Joe National Forest in Northern Idaho. Long before satellites used high-tech imaging to detect wildfires, observers in fire lookouts kept a watchful eye over the surrounding forests, reporting smoke sightings to wildland firefighters. Due to modern technology these wilderness towers are all but obsolete. However, some ingenious entrepreneurs realized they make unique lodging for wilderness lovers. Many of these lookouts are located in northern Idaho and must be accessed via a hiking trail, so you’ll need to pack in your supplies and creature comforts. The closest lookout to Boise, however, is the Deadwood Lookout cabin in Garden Valley and is directly accessible via roadway. If you’re wanting to experience a night or extended stay in these scenic spots, you’ll have to book them in advance. Booking dates are reserved quickly, so check for availability sooner than later at Recreation.gov. Teepees Teepee camping is available at Smiley Creek Lodge just south of the Sawtooth Range. These shelters and living spaces were used by some indegenoius peoples, like those of the Shoshone tribe which occupied parts of what is now Idaho. The Shoshone were able to take down, transport, and erect these shelters with much less difficulty than fixed structures as they migrated between seasonal camps. While the teepees made today certainly lack the authenticity of a true native build, outdoor lovers can rent similar shelters in places like Smiley Creek Lodge just south of the Sawtooth Range, about two-and-a-half hours from Boise via Highway 21, or Wagonhammer RV & Campground located north of Salmon via the same highway. A night or two in a teepee is a great way to appreciate the native heritage of Idaho and the survival techniques natives passed from generation to generation. Tent Glamping Glamping in a tent like this one is a far cry from traditional tent camping. If tent camping conjures images of cramped spaces, smelly sleeping bags, and cold, sleepless nights, then you clearly haven’t experienced the luxuries of tent glamping. In contrast to a standard camping tent pitched on the rocky ground, glamping tents are usually built with hardwood flooring, comfortable pillow top beds, wood stoves, chairs and a table, and are covered with moisture-proof canvas. These sites are available in the spring, summer, and fall, and reservations fill pretty quickly. If you’re interested in elevated tent camping, sites are available at River Dance Lodge in Kooskia, about four-and-a-half hours north of Boise. There’s also several spots in Eastern Idaho near the Teton Range: Moose Creek Ranch and Linn Canyon Ranch. There’s also this Arabian-themed spot in Irwin in the same area. These are all about a five hour drive from Boise. We hope you found this article helpful and inspiring. There's lots of unique camping adventures to explore in our beautiful state. If there’s an experience we didn't cover, that's one of your favs, let us know. Our community loves swapping info with other adventurers and learning from each other.

Our own, Melissa Dawson, coaching one of her daughters on the wall at the Thinking Spot, in McCall, Idaho We’re Freeman and Melissa Dawson. Our love of the outdoors is one of the main reasons we sell vehicles that can get people out on adventures of their own. Climbing is an outdoor sport we enjoy as a family. We first climbed together on Thanksgiving Day in 2005, when we were in college. Over the years we’ve added four daughters to our family, and now we all love to get out there and experience different climbing locations together. If you’re looking for a fun family activity, we’ve listed three of our favorite climbing spots and included some inside info so you can plan ahead and get the most out of your first or next climbing adventure. Most indoor climbing gyms have equipment you can rent, but if you’re going climbing outdoors for the first time, renting ropes and harnesses isn’t really an option. To buy climbing gear locally, we recommend checking out Boise Gear Collective for new and used gear, or REI typically has decent prices for everything you’ll need. Also, if you’re not familiar with the difficulty rating system climbers use, check out this helpful guide so you can try routes at your skill level. more Thinking Spot Location: McCall // Difficulty: 5.7-5.11 We started climbing here about eight years ago when we were camping and saw some people climbing the cliffs alongside the North Fork of the Payette River. To get here, you take Warren Wagon Road north around the west side of Payette Lake, turn right on Eastside Drive, and you can’t miss the huge rock formation.There are short top rope routes that are easy to set up and there’s a variety of terrain here ranging from easy to difficult, so our kids are able to learn and then push themselves further. In total, there’s about 23 routes, most of which is sport climbing with some traditional routes as well. There’s also some fun bouldering if you don’t have any belaying equipment. The views of the lake, mountains, and forests make this a scenic place to climb. Black Cliffs Location: Southeast Boise // Difficulty: 5.7-5.12 This place is right on the outskirts of Boise. It’s located on the north side of Highway 21 on the stretch of the road right before Lucky Peak. This place has tons of routes, about 250 in all, so you could climb here for days exploring new options. There’s some easy top roping, really easy routes, and some pretty challenging stuff too. If you plan to climb here during the summer, go in the morning when the routes are shaded. The dark basalt gets quite hot in the afternoon and can actually be painful to climb. During spring and fall, afternoon is best since the rock warms up with the afternoon sun.  This location is fun during the summer because you can climb in the morning and cool down at Lucky Peak in the afternoon, for a fun day of outdoor adventure. City of Rocks Location: Southern Idaho, above Utah Border // Difficulty: 5.7-5.12 This place is a climber’s paradise. To get here, drive east on I-84 to Burley, then head south on Highway 27 through Oakley. There’s plenty of traditional, sport, toprope, boulder, and aid climbing here (about 570 routes in total). Some of the routes are pretty long and you can spend plenty of time in a harness exploring the terrain. Before it was renowned by climbers, pioneers heading west on the Oregon Trail passed through here. They wrote their names and dates with axle grease on some of the rock formations. Many of these names and dates can still be seen today. Since this is located south of Burley, we recommend planning ahead and reserving a camping spot if you want to climb here. You’re only allowed to camp in designated areas. If you’re planning to travel near the area, we recommend setting aside at least half a day to check it out. We hope you found this article helpful and inspiring. There's a wide variety of rock climbing options all over the Boise area and beyond, so get out there and explore some for yourself. If there’s a spot you like that The Dawson's didn't cover, let us know. Our community loves swapping stories and info with other adventurers and learning from each other.